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Join us as we head across the country over the next nine months starting at Cape Spear Newfoundland on August 24th and ending at the Interdependence Show on May 15th in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Our mission is simple. Highlight all of the great communities and people across Canada who support great causes like the Rick Hansen Man in Motion Relay on its 25th Anniversary.
We encourage you to do what you can to support the Rick Hansen Relay not only as it travels through your town but also the rest of the year through your generous donations to the Rick Hansen Foundation.
January 9, 2013: The importance of March of Dimes - by Joel Dembe - posted by Alison King.
In my third year of university, I was interested in moving into an off-campus house with a bunch of my friends. After two years of living in residence, I was ready for a change. This would be the first time that I would be actively looking for a house (come to think of it, haven't done this since) and wheelchair accessibility became a problem. I wanted to be like most of my friends and have the off-campus experience, but most homes for rent around Brock University in St. Catharines were not accessible at all. With my options running out, I connected with the local March of Dimes office... (read more)
December 18, 2012: More than words - by Joel Dembe - posted by Alison King.
Disabled, paralyzed, handicapped, physically challenged, cripple, special. Do any of these words offend you? If so, why?.. (read more)
December 9, 2012: A merry time in Mexico - by Joel Dembe - posted by Alison King.
Well, it's the holiday season and what better place to celebrate than Mexico! Yes, it's December and I'm playing a wheelchair tennis tournament. It feels incredibly weird to be doing so, I must admit. Usually at this point in the year I'm at least starting to think about the gifts I should be buying my friends and family. This is almost always done last minute, and likely will be again this year. Sigh.
The weather has been incredible here in Mazatlan. I love hearing how cold and rainy it is back in Toronto. As I type this blog, I'm hearing waves crash against the shore. The weather is very warm. Skies are clear as blue. It's peaceful here in Mexico. This being my fourth visit, I've become accustomed to the friendly, laid-back atmosphere the Mexican people provide.
I will say this, however. I made a terrible error. I drank the tap water. My friends and loyal readers - do not under any circumstances drink the tap water! Eric Gilbert and I have paid dearly for it. Even if the hotel staff swear that the water is ok, stick to bottled water. Probably one of the biggest errors of my life.
Mistakes aside, it was a successful tournament on the court and I am so proud to be the Mazatlan Open champion! What a great way to end 2012! Off the court, I got to watch a winter-league Mexican baseball game. It is simply amazing watching professional baseball in December. As I hear about the broken negotiations between the NHL and NHLPA, it's nice to know that and pure sport still exists here in Mexico. Their love of baseball is truly alive and well!.. (read more)
December 6, 2012: A Special Delivery - by Peter Grande - posted by Alison King.
During the summer of 2011, I had the pleasure of driving an MV-1 from our Ontario headquarters to Cape Spear, Newfoundland, the most eastern point in North America. We were there to witness the launch of the Man In Motion 25th Anniversary Relay and to pay homage to Rick Hansen, a Canadian hero and inspiration to our company... (read more)
November 26, 2012: Canada Cares and so should you: Why caregivers matter! by Joel Dembe - posted by Alison King.
I didn’t exactly have the typical childhood. I was born with a benign tumor on my spine. The surgery to remove it was successful, but it left me with one kidney, a severe scoliosis, and would eventually relegate me to using a wheelchair for the rest of my life. Growing up with my disability presented numerous challenges. I had at least 15 surgeries to correct ongoing issues with my body. In some years, it felt like the hospital was my second home!.. (read more)
October 11, 2012: Accessible Toronto: Time to step up to the plate - by Joel Dembe - posted by Alison King.
I live in an interesting city. On one hand Toronto is a modern and progressive city when it comes to diversity, culture, and entertainment. The city is home to many corporations that generate millions, if not billions every year. The condo boom throughout the GTA is evident to anyone who has lived here for more than a few years. We are at the epicenter of the country and growing year after year... (read more)
October 9, 2012: Behind the scenes at the Paralympics - by Joel Dembe - posted by Alison King.
After my Paralympic journey came to an end from a competitive standpoint, there was so much to see and do in London. I came to realize which parts of the city were accessible, and which parts were not (I’m looking at you, theatre district!). The London subways (or the ‘tube’ as they call it) and trains were relatively easy to navigate – if you knew what you were doing! There were times that I would get completely lost in a station attempting to find an elevator. Sometimes I would just give up and use the escalator instead. This is not advised!.. (read more)
October 5, 2012: My Journey to the Paralympics - Part 2 by Joel Dembe - posted by Alison King.
After a summer of training and competing in a variety of events around the world, I felt as ready as I could be for the London 2012 Paralympics... (read more)
October 4, 2012: My Journey to the Paralympics - Part 1 by Joel Dembe - posted by Alison King.
Attending the Paralympics for the first time was a truly incredible experience. No question, it's the biggest thing that I've ever experienced and accomplished in my life. For me, the opportunity to represent Canada in wheelchair tennis at the London 2012 Games was an honour and something that I'll remember for the rest of my life... (read more)
September 27, 2012: A Brighter Future - posted by Jeff Wilson.
It is my distinct privilege to announce the newest member of the MV-1 Canada team, Joel Dembe. It is rare that I meet someone who truly impresses me on so many levels and has been able to do so in such a humble fashion. Joel’s passion for life, focused determination and charitable spirit round out an impressive set of marketing skills and talent... (read more)
August 29, 2012: Life. Without Compromise. - posted by Chris.
Share your story!.. (read more)
July 16, 2012: A Great day at the Easter Seals Regatta in Oakville - posted by Jeff Wilson.
I had the pleasure of attending the Easter Seals Regatta in Oakville sponsored by TD Bank. I spoke with Caroline Wallace who runs Halton region for Easter Seals about the importance of these events to the kids anf families they support. These types of events actually bring out many families who get to take active part in the event. Its a wonderful experience for the kids, many of whom have been coming for years to spend a couple hours on differernt power boats crusiing around on Lake Ontario. The days event saw a record number of families attend and thanks to Oakville Fire and Rescue everyone was able to get on and off the boats safely to enjoy the day... (read more)
